Covering and stair access for openings in ceilings,roofs and similar wall structures

ABSTRACT

A covering for openings in ceilings, roofs and similar structures comprises a frame adapted to be fitted into the opening with its outer periphery sealed within the opening structure. A cover panel such as a skylight cupola is pivotally mounted adjacent the top of the frame member and it is movable between a closed and a fully opened position to provide either ventilation or access through the frame. The frame also carries a foldable staircase which may be pivoted downwardly and extended outwardly to ground level to permit access through the frame from the ground level to the roof structure. In the closed position, the folded stair assembly forms aligned stair threads which define air flow passages therebetween to permit ventilation through the staircase when the skylight cupola is opened partly. In the folded and closed position, the underside of the staircase is closed by a panel which may be solid or which may be formed as an opened grid or louvre which permits the free flow of air therethrough but which provides a concealment for the staircase when viewed in any position except directly underneath.

tlnite States Patent 1191 Frank 1 Oct. 22, 1974 [54] COVERING AND STAIR ACCESS Fon' 958,071 9/1949 France 182/81 OPENINGS IN CEILINGS, noors AND 1,273,785

SIMILAR WALL STRUCTURES [75] Inventor: Wilhelm Frank, Leinfelden, Germany [73] Assignee: Wilh. Frank GmbII, Leinfelden,

Germany [22] Filed: Jan. 16, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 324,231

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of SCI. No. 127,311, March 23, 1971,

[52] U.S. Cl. 182/81 [51} Int. Cl. E06c 9/06 [58] Field of Search 182/77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 182/95, 97, 63, 64

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 876,354 l/1908 l-loughton.... 182/81 2,496,773 2/1950 Brown.. 182/78 2,551,208 5/1951 Garner 182/80 2,580,978 l/1952 Triller 132/80 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 181,741 5/1936 Switzerland 182/80 259,760 6/1949 Switzerland 182/81 264,219 1/1950 Swit2erland...- 182/81 367,615 4/1963 Switzerland 182/81 7/1968 Germany 182/81 Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney, Agent, or Firm-McGlew and Tuttlc [57] ABSTRACT A covering for 'openings'in ceilings, roofs and similar structures comprises a frame adapted to be fitted into the opening with its outer periphery sealed within the opening structure. A cover panel such as a skylight cupola is pivotally mounted adjacent the top of the frame member and it is movable between a closed and a fully opened position to provide either ventilation or access through the frame. The frame also carries a foldable staircase which may be pivoted downwardly and extended outwardly to ground level to permit access through the frame from the ground level to the roof structure. In the closed position, the folded stair assembly forms aligned stair threads which define air flow passages therebetween to permit ventilation through the staircase when the skylight cupola is opened partly. In the folded and closed position, the underside of the staircase is closed by a panel which may be solid or which may be formed as an opened grid or louvre which permits the free flow of air therethrough but which provides a concealment for the staircase when viewed in any position except directly underneath.

18 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures lllllllllilllllllllLlllllllNll PATENTED Z 3,842,935

saw an or 13 PArcmenwzzwm 3.842.935

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sum 07 OF 13 s s x s L Hllllllllllll COVERING ANu'sTAm ACCESS FUR OPENINGS tN cEiLiNcs, Noors AND SEMILAR WALL v srnucrunns This is a division of application Ser. No. 127,31 1 filed Mar. 23, 1971.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to the construction of covers for roof openings and, in particular, to a new and useful combined roof cover skylight and ventilator and stair access.

The invention relates particularly to a covering for openings in ceilings and roofs which is also equipped with a pivoting ladder, staircase or the like, the ceiling opening being coverable or closable at its underside, and the roof opening being closable at least at its upper side. The task of the invention is to attach the covering or coverings so that they are easy to open and close and, in particular, when folding stairs are included, that their actuation is harmonized with their pivoting motion. The stairs, or the ladder, may either be extendable or unfoldable, or it may be of one-piece construction.

A roof covering of the type described is proposed which, according to the invention, is characterized in that a top covering or skylight is linked to the opening, or a casing or frame inserted in the opening and which is pivotable on the frame, and which also includes a bottom cover which is linked to a foldable staircase or to the opening or to a casing inserted therein. The outer covering is flipped open outwardly and the inner one pivoted into the space below it. If connected to stairs according to one of the modifications of the invention, the stairs are pivoted together with the cover. This design has the advantage that the entire load on the stairs is transmitted to the ceiling opening or, when a casing or frame is used, it is transmitted through the frame to the ceiling around the opening. Therefore, the covering is loaded only by its own weight and, consequently, can be produced of a relatively light material. If the fastening elements for the stairs penetrate the casing or frame and engagethe ceiling opening, the load can, of course, be kept away from the casing and be transmitted directly to the ceiling.

When the stairs and the covering are mounted separately, the covering need not be reinforced, but the inner covering must be strongly constructed, if the stairs are mounted directly to it and are thus pivoted with it automatically.

In the case of a covering for a hatch to a flat roof, it is very advantageous for the ceiling opening to be covered on the outside by a push-open window or a skylight cupola and for the skylight cupola to be pivotable,

in particular transversely to the pivot plane of the stairs, and for the covering for the lower end of the ceiling opening to be designed in the form of a light diffuser. Undoubtedly, opening the skylight cupola is mucheasier when it must merely be pivoted to the side rather than over the head backwards or forwards. However, in certain cases, pivoting about an axis parallel to the stair pivoting axis may be useful also.

So that the stairs are not noticeable from inside the room, the covering of the lower end of the ceiling opening is designed in the form of a light diffuser when the casing is covered by a skylight cupola. This does not interfere with the incidence of light and also, frees the view upwards only when oriented almost vertically up. From the side, therefore, which is when the view is oriented obliquely, the stairs are practically invisible from below. In addition, the light diffuser brings with it the advantage of making it possible to-ventilate the room, through the opened skylight cupola with the diffuser closed in its upper end position. Transparent or translucent, perforated plates may also be used instead of the light diffuser. L

According to another characteristic of the invention, when a covering with stairs or the like are operable by means of a toggle lever positioning linkage anda hoisting mechanism, the toggle lever arm connected to the hoisting mechanism or to the casing is penetrated by a member movable back and forth transversely to the formers longitudinal axis in the formers pivoting plane, or it is connected to amember which can be moved past in this direction laterally. The lower end of the member and or of the toggle lever arm rests against a fixed support in the frame or in the ceiling opening when the end of the stairs is lowered to the floor. This involves a positioning device for the stairs or the like, by means of which the resting of the lower stair end on the floor is obtained even if the floor is not level. The leveling device ensures that the oblique position of the stairs in their operating position is variable to a certain extent. After the stairs are installed and adjusted, this device need not be operated any more.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a safety connectionto ensure that when there is an outer and an inner covering of the roof opening, and the outer covering is in ventilating position, that the inner covering will not enter the interior of the room and have the whole access exposed thereby becoming a safety hazard. Of course, provision must be made in this implementation for the air to be able to flow through the opening. Full opening the roof hatch of this type would make it impossible to overlook the inner covering especially when the stairs are lowered but a sudden rain would then be able to penetrate the interior of the house. According to the invention, this embodiment includes and opening linkage which influences the motions of both the covering and the stairs at the same time and which connects the outer articulated covering to the stairs pivoting in the frame. The inner articulated covering which is equipped with openings for the passage of air, is fastened elastically to the stairs and rests against the frame in the end position of the outer covering.

The outer articulated covering can be pivoted on its hinged connection by a certain angle by engagement through one of the air passage openings, thereby bringing about the external opening for ventilation. The air can then pass through the air passage openings of the inner articulated covering resting against the frame. The possible angle to which the outer articulated covering can be opened depends upon the distance which Where a covering includes a frame or a casing inserted in the hatch opening especially when a push-out window is used, it is divided transverse to the direction of emergence and includes an inner part supporting the stairs and the like and the inner covering of the hatch opening, whereas the outer covering such as the pushout window or skylight cupola is linked to the outer casing part. The two casing halves are interconnected by a centering device, in particular bolts or pins. The good fit which is thus achievable may also be obtained by partly telescoping the two parts. Due to this design, the push-out window has an inclination even when the roof hatch according to the invention is used in connection with a flat roof so that rain water can drain off and snow can slide off. Opening of the push-out window is facilitated when the pivot axis of the window is located lower than the opposite closing side of the window. Moreover, this characteristic merits advantages from both a manufacturing and an installation point of view. Since, clue to the division of the casing, the total weight of this roof hatch is also divided and this also facilitates transportation to and at the building site. The lighter weight parts naturally also are of advantage during installation.

As already explained, the outer covering of the roof hatch opening serves as weather protection to prevent the penetration of cold and rain. The inner covering is assigned two tasks. First, it should hide the stairs, if present, which is a purely esthetic task, but secondly, it also provides a double seal of the hatch opening in order to reduce heat losses. When both coverings of the hatch covering are open, or the lower one is air penneable, the living area below it communicates directly with the outside air. It can, therefore, as said before, be aired out or ventilated without problems through this hatch opening. Beyond this, this living area can be additionally illuminated or made brighter by the hatch opening with coverings open.

In building projects with a flat roof construction there often result, in the interest of rational room configuration, living areas which do not adjoin any outside wall of the building. To bring natural light into such living areas it is necessary to build into the roof a so-called skylight cupola or push-out window. In addition to a flat roof hatch, this skylight cupola is necessary in order to climb onto or use the roof as a terrace. The joint installation of a flat roof hatch and a juxtaposed skylight cupola naturally causes much expense because two independent components must be built into two separate breakthroughs in the roof.

Therefore, the invention is based on the further task of avoiding this drawback of the known state of the art, and also in providing a cover in combination with collapsible stairs which may be folded into the housing or frame. As a solution, it is proposed, according to the invention, for the outer covering of a passage opening, designed as roof hatch covered on the inside and on the outside, to consist at least partly of a transparent or translucent material, whereas the inner one presents at least one opening for the passage of light. The outer and the inner coverings of the passage opening is adjustable by a linkage either together or by other hardware fittings. The rungs or steps of the stair sections, in a collapsed condition are preferably aligned vertically so as to be approximately an extension of each other and to thereby permit the formation of light shafts upwardly or downwardly. The greater these passage openings and the openings of the inner covering, and the more transparent the outer covering, the greater is the light pentration advantage achievable by the invention. In the extreme case, therefore, both coverings will be manufactured with a narrow frame, and at least the unobstructed opening of the outer one will be closed by glass, plastic or a glass substitute.

This results in the essential advantages of the invention; an illumination of the living area, an escape of the flat roof and a possibility of ventilation are created by one single assembly. The additional skylight cupola, otherwise required for illumination, can be obviated, thereby saving costs, materials, labor for installation and the like.

It is of particular advantage that the outer and the inner covering of the hatch are each adjustable by a linkage or by other hardware fittings which are commercially available.

The pivot bearings of the stairs resting against and pivotable into the openings are generally of very simple construction, and they resemble in their design the pin hinge hardware for doors or piano hinges, except that they are designed much sturdier, of course. Yet their stability in many cases is insufficient, and they are unable to withstand the occurring stresses. The flat-lying hinges often bend under the load exerted on them, thus making it impossible to swing the stairs back properly. Since the hardware is mortised into the stairs and in some instances also into the stair casing, very wide recesses are'necessary with naturally great weakening of the parts involved.

Another task of the invention at hand consists in reducing these recesses and weakened parts to a minimum and in increasing the stability of the hardware, virtually without altering its dimensions. To solve this problem it is proposed, according to the invention, that each pivot bearing of pivoting stairs which are built into an opening to be covered consist of two flat rods, disposed on end and connected by a cross bolt and that each flat rod on the stair side be fastened laterally to the vertical side plate or be mortised into the narrow side of the stair side plate. The moment of resistance of the flat rods is greater when disposed on edge than when disposed fiat as heretofore. Due to the vertical arrangement of the hinges, very shallow grooves for mortising, matching their thickness, are sufficient. When fastening laterally to the side plate, mortising can be obviated altogether. Moreover, this arrangement is applicable to all types of pivoting stairs, which means foldable as well as extendable pivoting stairs.

It is particularly expedient, when sections of a pivoting staircase are interconnected by hinged joints, for the two ends of the stair sections facing each other to be equipped with a buckling safety device, the one stair section presenting a notch and the other presenting a tooth, a strip or the like engaging the former in the operating position of the stairs, and for the tooth and/or the notch to be elastically pivotable in the direction of engagement. As soon as the stairs are completely unfolded and thus in an operating condition, the tooth or the strip automatically snaps into the correlated groove or notch. The adjacent stair sections are thus rigidly connected to each other and this connection is disconnectable with a forceful pull. During the snapping in and out motion, the tooth or the strip performs a pivoting motion relative to the notch and, in addition, at least one of the parts must be moved laterally by an amount matching the height of the tooth. This lateral disengaging should take place through an elastic deflection or against the force of a return spring so that the parts interlock with a snapping motion as soon as they are flush.

According to another characteristic of the invention,

the upper end of the stairs is connected to the ceiling opening or to the stair casing through at least one elbow lever which, in the operating position of the stairs, assumes a flat attitude and which is disposed so as to be staggered in the direction of the return pivoting motion to the side of the pivot bearings. The part of the elbow lever fastened to the ceiling opening or to the stair casing is designed in the form of a single arm lever and the other one as a duel arm lever. This again involves a safety measure which prevents an unintentional swinging back of the upper stair part or of the entire stairs. It becomes effective automatically as soon as the stairs are in an operating position. One or more of the elbow levers are used, and when in a flat attitude, they resist a rotary motion of the stairs, in a closing direction. If it is intended to pivot the stairs back after they have been used, the joint of the elbow lever must be brought out of its unstable position by suitable means, possibly by hand. As soon as the two arms of the elbow joint include between them an angle deviating from 180, they can readily be moved towards each other and, therefore, no longer hinder the pivoting back of the upper stair section or of the retracted or collapsed staireither. Preferably, the buckling is accomplished so that the center of the joint is moved forward and upward.

The leg of the dual armed lever projecting beyond the ,pivot bearing of the elbow lever on the stair side may be utilized as a handle for the release from the unstable locked position. By moving it towards the stairs, the joint center of the elbow lever will escape upwards.

According to another characteristic ofthe invention,

each support lever of the pivoting stairs is mounted for weight balancing, so as to pivot about an eccentric bolt, and each'eccentric bolt is eccentrically disposed in a disc mounted in each stair side plate so as to be turnable as well as axially movable and fixable, Each disc is equipped with a surface which is pressable against the stair side plate and which includes gripping elements for the side plate. The disc may be roughened, serrated, notched or the like for the formation of the gripping elements. This involves an easily adjustable and installable, cheap to produce and easy to handle adjusting device for the above lever linkage. The support levers for the folding stairs may have the shape of two elbow levers disposed to the side of the stairs. The device described makes it possible to adjust both the angle between the two arms of the elbow lever and the stairs, of the ceiling, within a range predetermined by the eccentricity. Since the lever linkage is conventionally spring loaded, it is possible, by adjusting the eccentricity and the pivoting of the elbow lever arms resulting therefrom to load or relax said spring or springs. The gripping elements may be pressed into the usually soft wood of the stairs by tightening a nut or by other means. For readjustment, the pressure nut must be loosened and the disc removed from the stair side plate. To change the adjustment, the disc is subsequently rotated and then pressed against the stair side plate by means of the nut or other means. Of course, the gripping elementsmay also be caused to engage a counterplate at the stair side plate so that impressions in the stair side plate will be avoided.

The staircase, with all its advantageous embodiments, may naturally also be inserted into'an opening covered neither at its upper nor at its lower end. By the same token, in order to emphasize clearly once more, the push-out window, the skylight cupola, the lower covering or the light diffuser and the casing with the stairs or the like may each be used separately by themselves.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved device for fitting into and covering openings of ceilings, roofs and similar structures and which includes a top covering which may, for example, form a skylight cupola and a foldable staircase which is mounted within the opening in a manner permitting it to be extended downwardly to form a ground to ceiling passage.

A further object of the invention is to provide a covering for openings in ceilings which includes a frame which is adapted to be fitted into the opening and which includes a skylight covering pivotally mounted to the top side of the frame and a staircase mounted in the frame which may-be extended downwardly and which when closed forms a passage for air ventilation and wherein the skylight may be opened or closed with the stairway closed and wherein the bottom of the staircase is closed from view by a panel or similar grid structure.

' A further object of the invention is to provide a cover structure for a roof opening which includes both top and bottom coverings and which includes a staircase mounted within a frame, and which for example, may be made of an inexpensive lightweight material such as metal and which includes side runners of the staircase which are made of U-shaped construction to facilitate their being connected to the associated frame structre and further including a lever mechanism which may be operated from ground level for facilitating the opening and closing of a skylight structure covering the top of the frame for carrying-the staircase and which also includes a louvre or panel cover adapted to move with the staircase and be held at a spaced location in respect thereto during its operation and which will close the access opening at the bottom to provide a louvre for facilitating the passage of light through the structure without showing the stairs contained therewithin.

A further object of the invention is to provide a staircase which is adapted to fit in a roof opening and which includes means for locking the staircase in a folded position which may be easily unlocked to permit downward folding thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined staircase, skylight cupola and louvre panel finish for a ceiling opening which is simple in design, rugged in construction, and economical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the Drawing:

FIG. 1 is a bottom side perspective view of a roof hatch staircase, fastened to a casing, with a skylight cupola for covering the outer end of the roof opening,

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of another embodiment of a collapsible and pivotable staircase leading to an attic, with a casing somewhat differently designed,

the inner end of the ceiling opening being covered;

FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 of a stair side plate and the lower covering;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the locking and unlocking device for the outer covering;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of another unlocking and locking device;

FIG. 6 is a bottom side-perspective view of a roof hatch with opened outer coverings of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of an outer covering for the structure shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-section through FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views according to FIGS. 7 and 8, with the hatch opening closed;

FIG. 11 is a top-perspective view of a spreading mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal section of building roof with outer and inner covering according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views of two differ ent embodiments of an upper casing half, one with a skylight cupola and the other with push-open window as an outer covering;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lower frame for use with the device of FIGS. 15 or 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention with foldable pivoting stairs in an operating position;

FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective'view of another embodiment of adjusting device for the lever linkage;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the upper pivot bearings of the staircase, also shown perspectively;

FIG. 21 is a section taken along the line XXIXXI of FIG. 22;

FIG. 22 is in top view, the buckling safety device disposed between two stair sectors; and

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic side view with sectioned stair casing and the lower foldable stair sector shown in dash-dotted lines.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing in particular, the invention according to FIGS. 1 and 2, includes a device for finishing and covering passage openings with foldable stairs generally designated 1 pivotable inwardly and outwardly from a folded condition for a roof hatch (FIG. 1), or stairs 2 for access to an attic (FIG. 2). The stairs I and 2 are pivoted in the casings or frames 3 and 4, respectively. Fastening elements of the hardware hinges 5 (FIG. 1) and 6 (FIG. 2) penetrate an inner frame or cover and are anchored in the ceiling cut-out or passage opening (not shown). The lower portion or lower casing 7 is covered in FIG. I by a light diffuser or panel 8 and, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, by a thin panel 9. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1, the upper casing end, or roof frame 10, is closed by means of a skylight'cupola 11. The casing 4 of FIG. 2 remains open at its top. In the relatively steep open position shown in FIG. 1, the skylight cupola 11 is supported by a rod 12, articulated or pivoted on the frame 10 and on the skylight cupola 11.

Since the light diffuser 8 as well as the panel 9 are under the load of their won weight only, they may be of relatively weak construction or of relatively thin thickness. To be able to align the panels 8 or 9 perfectly relative to the lower casing 7, they are suspended from the underside of the stair side plates 14, 15 by means of bolts or screws 13 variable in length. FIG. 3 shows a secton of such a stair side plate 14 which is made of a metal, in particular aluminum. The profile 15 of the side plate 14 is U-shaped. A number of nuts 19, matching the number of supporting screws 13, are welded or otherwise attached secure against rotation to the inside 16 of the lower U leg 17. In both examples (FIGS. 1, 2), the lower coverings of the casing are supported by six screws 13. In order to prevent any uneven or warped panels 9 or other coverings from lifting off the screw heads 20 during alignment, they are clamped between the screw heads 20 and retaining washers 21 placed on the screw shaft. This makes it possible to pull up or push down various portions of the panel or of the lower covering, thereby aligning them altogether. A greater or smaller number of screws then is evident from FIGS. 1 and 2, may be used, of course.

The skylight cupola 11 in FIG. 1 can be flipped open perpendicular to the pivoting plane of the stairs I. By means of the devices 22 on lower frame 7 and a cupola 11, it is possible to make it assume infinitely many ventilating positions or lock it in a closed position. A first design of the locking and push-open device is pictured in FIG. 4, a second one in FIG. 5. The device of FIG. 5 comprises essentially an elbow lever 23 whose one elbow lever arm 25a, attached to the casing or a piece of sheet metal 24 fastened thereto, is designed as a rope pulley, whereas the corresponding lever arm 25 of FIG. 4 is of rod-shape in the usual manner. The pivot pin at the casing side is designated 26 in FIG. 4. The pivot pin 26' provides a rotational journal for the rope pulley 25a. An outer elbow lever arm 27 is of identical design in both of the forms of FIGS. 4 and 5 and is connected to first arms 25 and 25a, respectively, through a pivot pin 28. The operating mode of both forms is the same per se, except that the design shown in FIG. 5 can be operated by means of a rope pull 29, 30 whose ends 30, 32 protrude downward through the light diffuser 8 or appropriate holes in the covering panel 9. Depending upon the actuation of ring 33 or 34 in the direction of arrow 35, of the opposite direction, there is produced a rotation to the right or left and, hence, an opening or closing of the skylight cupola. Various positions are shown in FIG. 4, namely, in solid lines, a first lowered position of this device, representing at the same time, the locked position of the skylight cupola 11. Then, in dash-dotted lines may be seen two intermediate positions 36 and 37, equivalent to a light and a stronger ventilating position. Shown finally, also in dash-dotted lines, is a second end position, equivalent to the maximum ventilating position. This second end position of the elbow joint, same as the first end position drawn in solid lines, representing a beyond-dead-center position. In the last mentioned position, the one elbow joint arm rests against the lower stop 39 or against the upper stop'4tl. The lower stop limits rotary motion in the sense of arrow 41, while the upper stop prevents continued rotation in the direction of arrow 42. When, in the lower end position shown in solid lines, forces directed outward act against the skylight cupola lll, they merely cause the one elbow lever arm 25 to press against the lower stop 39. Rotary or pivoting motions of any kind do not take place. Consequently, this provides a securely locked end position. The situation is reversed when,in the upper end position, forces oriented from the outside to the inside, such as wind pressure, attack the skylight cupola I 1. Pushing the skylight cupola shut is not possible due to the beyond-deadcenter position. In order to prevent the skylight cupola from being sucked up and lifted off and also in order to be able to maintain the various intermediate positions safely, the elbow joint can be compressed at the pivot pin 28 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, in a manner not detailed. The ventilating device opens only a ventilating gap corresponding approximately to the fiat position of the elbow lever. At some times, however, the skylight cupola must be 7 swung back completely for particularly intensive ventilation or else for entering the flat roof; For this reason, the elbow lever connection at the pivot pin 28, or else at theskylight cupola or at the casing must be disconnectable. In the implementation example, the free arm end 43 of the other elbow lever arm 44 is detachably coupled with the skylight cupola 11. For this purpose, it is equipped with athrough hole 45, which engages with a bearing pin 46 which is fastened to the skylight cupola and extends transverse to the pivoting plane of the elbow joint. This bearing pin 46 is relatively short' so that the elbow lever 44, whose pivoting plane-lies approximately in the plane of the drawing (FIG. .4), can be pulled-out perpendicular to the plane of the drawing beyond the free pin end, thereby freeing the skylight cupola. Pulling the arm 44 out is made possible by the existing clearance and by the elasticity of the components.

The one elbow lever arm 25a is designed in FIG. 5 in the form of a rope pulley or, more exactly, adouble rope pulley. Attached in each groove is the end of a rope pull whose other end leads downward and can be pulled by means of rings 33, 34 in the direction of arrow 35 or even oblique thereto. As the two rope pulls are wound in opposing sense on their respective rope pulley, the ring now operated rnoves automatically up when the other ring is pulled. Here again, stop pins 39 and 40 serve as stops for the rotation of the rope pulleys. They cooperate with two cams 46, 47 which are attached to the rope pulley and are inclined at an angle relative to each other.

The stairs are linked to the casing by means of an elbow positioning linkage 38, 49 (FIG. 1). Expressed more precisely, the upper section 50 of the stairs, designed in the form of foldable stairs, is connected to this elbow lever positioning linkage. The two hoisting devices SI serve to balance the weight. An adjusting device 52 is provided for the precise adjustment of angle 52a between the longitudinal axis of the stairs and the lower edge of the casing 3. By means of it, the angle 52a can be increased or decreased in order to thus assure firm seating of the lower stair end 53 on the floor. The adjusting device 52a consists of an adjusting screw 54 which penetrates the elbow lever arm 49 and whose protruding end 55 rests against a pressure plate fastened to an outer lining box 3. Depending upon whether the adjusting screw 54 is being screwed in or out, the elbow lever arm 49 moves up or down.

The lowermost stair section 57 can be folded in the direction of arrow 58 against the'center stair section 59. The latter, in turn, is folded in the direction of arrow 60 against-the upper stair section 50. The stairs are then swung up in the direction of arrow 61, taking along the covering, including the light diffuser panel8. The panel 8is preferably plastic-coated on the inside and onthe outside or otherwise joined to or coated with another scratch-resistant and washable material.

As shown in FIG. 6, an exterior hinged cover 63 is pivoted in a frame or casing 62 which is built into a roof (not shown) and forms a skylight cupola. The frame 62 is closed towards the inside by an inner-hinged cover 64 formed by a light diffuser. Disposed between the outer hinged cover 63 and the inner one is a self-supporting folding ladder 65, pivoted at 66 in the frame 62. The stairs are connected to the outer hinged cover 63 by an opening linkage so that both parts will open and close simultaneously. In addition, fluorescent light bulbs 68 are provided between the outer cover 63 and the inner hinged cover 64 within the frame 62.

As FIGS. 9 and 10 show, the two narrow sides 69 and 70 of the innerhinged cover 64 are respectively connected to the ladder 65 by means of two extension springs 71 and 72. Fastening of the inner hinged cover 64 to the ladder 65 is accomplished so that the hinged cover 64, as may be seen from FIG. 7, rests against the frame 62 before the outer hinged cover 63, or the ladder 65, reach their end position. When the outer hinged cover 63 is pivoted upward or the ladder 65 is pivoted downward through the openings in the inner hinged cover 64, the outer hinged cover 63 will open alright, but the inner hinged cover 64 will remain in its position for the time being, until the extension springs 71 and 72 become relaxed. This results in a ventilating position for the outer hinged cover 63 according to FIG. 7. Air can then enter through the opening and penetrate into the living area through the air outlet openings 73 (FIG. 9) of the inner hinged cover 64. Since the cover 64 remains in its position during this procedure, no disturbing effect ensues through it. Moreover, due to the small opening angle of the outer hinged cover 63, almost no moisture can enter even during a surprise rain.

The end 75 of the second stair section 76 (FIG. 6)

resting against the pivoting stair section 74 is equipped with pressure tabs 77 which keep the inner hinged cover 64, in the unfolded position of the stairs 65, a certain distance away from the pivoting stair section -74. This provides for the best possible foot freedom.

when mounting the stairs 65.

A spreading mechanism 84, which is shown in FIG. 1 1, serves for the fixing of the hinged covers 63, 64 and of the stairs 65 in the various positions. The spreading mechanism consists of an eccentric disc 79 which can be turned by means of a square crank 78 and to which are linked two closing rods 80, 80'. These closing rods 80 and 80' engage two hardware fittings 81 disposed at both sides of frame 62 of FIG. 6. The two hardware fittings 81 have a detent 82 (FIG. 10) for the closed position of the roof which as shown in FIG. 9, prevents the closing rods from moving, thereby also preventing the coverings of the roof hatch from moving in either direction. The second stop 83 serves the ventilating position of the outer covering of the roof hatch as shown in FIG. 8.

In FIGS. 12 to 14, the casing 85 is again inserted into the escape opening 86 of a ceiling 87 of a building (not shown), and supported all around by blocks 88, 89. The lower and the inner end 90 of the escape openings, of the casing 85, can be closed by means of an inner covering in the shape of a flat cover. The outer end 92 of the casing 95 (FIG. 12) is closable by means of an outer covering again designed in the form of a skylight cupola. In FIGS. 13 and 16, the skylight cupola 93 is replaced by a flat roof window 94.

The inner covering or cover 99 of the escape opening is pivoted in the wall 96 of the casing 85 by means of two hinges 15. The inner cover 99 can be pivoted in the direction of the arrow 97 (FIG. 12) by means of a not shown linkage designed in the manner of a transom opener. In its closed position, the cover with the casing is locked by means of the hardware fitting 98. It consists of a frame 99 and a light diffuser 100.

At the inside of the cover is again fastened an extendable and unfoldable staircase 101. FIG. 12 shows this staircase in extended condition, whereas the retracted and folded up staircase may be seen in FIG. 14. It consists of three stair sections 102, 103 and 104. The length of these individual components and their connection are so chosen that the rungs or the steps 105 are at least almost flush when the ladder is retracted. In the folded conditions of the stairs of FIG. 14, they define channels 106 for the passage of light. The light diffuser 100 consists of flat strips on edge disposed perpendicular to each other.

In FIG. 12, the push-open linkage 107 of the inner cover is coupled as to motion with the link 108 of the outer cover 99. The various levers of the push-open linkages 107, 108 are so attached to the inner and outer covers and to the casing 85, respectively, and their lengths are so dimensioned that when the inner cover 100 is opened, the outer cover 99 opens simultaneously and when the outer cover is fully closed, the inner cover is fully closed also. The skylight cupola, too, consists of a frame 109 and a dome-shaped insert 110 of glass, plastic or glass substitute.

In the designs according to FIGS. 13 and 15 to 17, the push-open linkages for the outer and inner covers are not coupled to each other as to their motion. The push-open linkage 107 is designed in the usual manner and equipped with a braking device known as such. The push-open linkage 108 is actuated separately, as mentioned before. The simplest design provides for manual operation. The lever 108, shown schematically in FIG. 13, may be used for ventilating purposes or as pusher for opening. FIG. 16 shows a push-open linkage approximately identical with that shown in FIG. 12.

The outer face area 112 of the casing shown in FIG. 13 is inclined relative to the inner face area 113. During installation, the inner face area 113 runs parallel to the ceiling 87 so that the outer face area 112 and, with it, the push-open window 94 assumes an oblique position relative to the flat roof. FIGS. 15 to 17 show a casing composed of two parts. The lower casing part 114 can be used selectively with the upper casing part 115 or 116. As already explained, a push-open window 14 is pivoted at the upper casing part 115 and a skylight cupola 13 to the upper casing part 116. Analogous to FIG. 13, the upper casing part 115 of FIG. 16 may also be provided with face areas 112, 113 in oblique attitude to each other. Pins, shackles or the like may interconnect the casing parts 114, 115 and 116 to align them precisely.

In the implementation example of FIG. 18, the pivoting staircase 118, designed in the form of a folding ladder, is mounted to the stair casing 119, inserted into a matching opening, not detailed, of a ceiling. Thcsc stairs are to provide access to the floor above the coiling. As usual, the stair casing is of rectangular shape, and it is closed by means of a covering 121 when the stairs are folded up and retracted in the direction of arrow 121. In the implementation example according to FIG. 18, the pivoting stairs 118 consist of the upper stair section 122, the center stair section 123 and the lower stair section 124. I-Iinges 125 and 126 interconnect the various sections. They provide for the lower stair section 124 to be folded against the center section 123 in the direction of arrow 127, while both sections together are then folded against the upper stair section 122 in the direction of the arrow 128.

The upper stair section 122 is fastened to the stair casing 119 by means of the pivot bearings 129. At the same time, it is also rigidly connected to the covering 121 so that when the folded stairs are pivoted back, the covering 121 is automatically brought into closed position also.

FIG. 20 shows one of these pivot bearings 129 in larger scale. In contrast to known designs, it is assembled on edge, which is in the position shown, and it consists of the flat rod 130 on the stair side, the flat rod 131 on the ceiling side, bent to form an angle. The bent leg is designated 132. Of course, an angle profile may be used for this purpose directly. The cross-pin 133 links the two flat bars 130 and 131 together. The holes 134 permit the pines 133 to be fastened to the ladder, whereas the holes 135 serve the assembly of part 131. As FIG. 18 shows, the flat rod 130 on the stair side is mounted laterally to the stair side plate 136, which means that the side plate is weakened by no recesses. On the other hand, the situation is such that for mortising the flat rod on the stair side, only a very narrow slot is required in the stair side plate, in contrast to the bearings of the state of the art which are mounted flush.

As already mentioned, the stair sections 122 and 123 or 123 and 124 respectively are hinged together by hinges 125 and 126. When the stairs rest on the floor, they represent a rigid structure, of course. But when they are pivoted in the direction of arrow 120 in an unloaded condition, the parts 123 and 124 of this embodiment will unfold. Such pivoting may occur, for instance, when the usually built-in weight balancing device is not adjusted exactly or shifted in the course of time. Now, in order to avoid such unintentional and also undesirable folding up of the stair sections, the buckling safety devices according to the invention have been provided. They consist of two screwed-on plates 137 and 138, the lower one of which, 137, has a notch 139, engaged by a tooth 140 of the upper plate 138. Accordingly, the lower stair section 124 can fold up against the upper stair section 123 only when the tooth 140 is not arrested (FIG. 21). However, the weight of the lower stair section 124 is not sufficient to pivot the 

1. A covering for openings in ceilings, roofs and similar structures, comprising a frame adapted to be fitted into the opening with its outer periphery sealed with the structure surrounding the opening and adapted to extend above and seal the top over the opening, and to extend at least flush with the lower part of the material surrounding the opening, a top cover panel closing the upper end of said frame and being pivoted to said frame adjacent one side thereof, and being movable to open and close the frame in order to ventilate and or to open the space through said frame, a foldable stairs having an upper end pivotally connected to said frame and being pivotal upwardly into said frame in a folded position for storage and downwardly to lower an opposite end of said stairs to the ground to define a stair passageway upwardly through said frame to the roof, a bottom panel connected to said frame closing the opening of said frame below said stairs, said panel having openings for the passage of air therethrough and means elastically connecting said panel to said stairs, said stairs holding said panel against said frame when said stairs are in a folded withdrawn position.
 2. A covering for openings in ceilings, roofs and the like according to claim 1, wherein said pivoting stairs in the operating position has an upper end mounted so as to pivot in said frame on a pivot bearing, each pivot bearing (129) comparing two flat rods (130, 131) disposed on edge and interconnected by a cross-bolt (133), each flat rod (130) on the stair side being fastened laterally to said stair.
 3. A covering by means of a closing cover disposed below the stairs according to claim 2, wherein the flat rod (130) on the stair side is mortised into the surface of the cover (121) pointing upward.
 4. A covering, according to claim 1, including a flat rod (131) on the ceiling side mortised into the ceiling opening and shaped in the form of a leg of a steel profile (131, 132).
 5. A covering according to claim 1, wherein said stairs include sections connected by hinges, and wherein the ends of the stair sections (122, 123, or 123, 124) facing each other are equipped with a buckling safety device, one of said stair sections (124) presenting a notch (139) and the other (123) presenting a tooth (140) engaging the notch in the operating position of the stairs, and the tooth being elastically pivotable in a snap-in direction.
 6. A covering, according to claim 5, wherein the notch (139) and the tooth (140) are each disposed at a plate (137, 138) connected to the side plate of the respectively correlated stair section and/or the hinge (125, 126).
 7. A covering, according to claim 6, wherein the notch (129) is worked into one half of the hinged joint (125, 126) and the tooth (140) is formed into a tab, lug or the like of the other hinged joint half.
 8. A covering, with foldable stair sections, according to claim 7, characterized in that said dual lever includes a free lever arm (149) protruding into the pivoting range of the lower stair section (123).
 9. A covering, according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the stairs is connected to the stair frame (119) through at least one elbow lever (146) which assumes in the operating position of the stairs a flat attitude and which is disposed so as to be staggered in the direction (145) of the return pivoting motion to the side of the pivot bearings (129) of the stairs, the elbow lever part (127) attached to the ceiling opening or the stair casing (119) being designed in the form of a single arm and the other (148) in the form of a dual-armed lever.
 10. A covering, according to claim 1, each link including an end, a lever linkage for weight balancing each link end (153) on the stair side being pivoted at an eccentric pin (154) and each eccentric pin is disposed eccentrically at a disc (155) mounted in each stair side plate (136) so as to be turnable as well as movable axially and fixable, each disc being provided at its surface pressable against the stair side plate with gripping elements (16) for the side plate, the disc (155) being roughened, for the formation of the gripping elements.
 11. A covering, according to claim 1, wherein said bottom panel is connected by said resilient means only to said stairs at each end.
 12. A covering, according to claim 1, wherein said stairs are made up of a plurality of separate sectIons each being foldable in respect to the other in order to fold or open said stairs, including a first section pivoted to said frame and a second section pivoted to said first section, said second section being provided with a pressure tab for connecting said second section to said bottom cover panel.
 13. A covering, according to claim 1, including light means located between said top cover panel and said bottom cover panel, said bottom cover panel being a light diffuser.
 14. A covering, according to claim 1, wherein said top cover panel includes at least a part which is transparent or translucent, said air covering having at least one opening for the passage of light, said stairs being made up of a plurality of foldable sections which fold together over said bottom cover panel, said stair sections having rungs which align in the folded condition to permit passage of light and air therethrough and through said bottom cover panel when in a closed position.
 15. A covering, according to claim 1, wherein said frame includes a slightly inclined outer portion extending above said roof, said top cover panel being closed against said inclined outer portion, said inner portion including a slightly downwardly inclined inner portion, said bottom cover panel being closed against said downwardly inclined inner portion.
 16. A covering, according to claim 1, wherein said frame is divided into a plurality of parts extending transversely to the direction of emergence through said opening, including an inner part supporting said stairs and said bottom cover panel and an outer part supporting said top cover panel, and centering means for centering said parts relative to each other.
 17. A covering, according to claim 1, including means for locking said outer covering and said stairs in a closed position in said frame including a rotatable member mounted on said stairs and a lever eccentrically connected to said rotatable member and being movable by rotation of said member to engage with said lock said stairs and said top cover panel to said frame.
 18. A covering according to claim 1, wherein said top transparent cover panel comprises a akylight cupola, means interconnecting said skylight cupola with said foldable stairs permitting upward movement of said cupola for ventilation without movement of said stairs, and means on said stairs for locking said stairs in a closed position in relation to said frame. 